SENCO

Reports To: Head of School / Principal or Designate

Job Summary:
The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) is a senior leadership role responsible for establishing and maintaining the highest standards of provision for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This position provides strategic leadership for the entire Student Support Services division, including Special Education Needs, Counseling, and the AIM (Academic Intervention/Support) Department. The SENCO ensures all students requiring additional support receive high-quality, personalized educational and pastoral care.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Policy:

• Develop, implement, and review the school’s SEND/Inclusion Policy and AIM Department Strategy

• Ensure curriculum accessibility and differentiation for all students with SEND

• Manage staffing and resources for SEND and AIM departments to maximize student outcomes

• Maintain compliance with Ministry of Education and Higher Education requirements

Student Support & Case Management:

• Oversee identification, assessment, and recording of student SEND needs

• Lead development, implementation, and review of Individual Education Plans (IEPs)

• Serve as primary contact for parents regarding SEND provision

• Monitor progress of SEND students and evaluate intervention effectiveness

Department Leadership:

• Provide strategic direction for Counseling department and mental well-being programs

• Lead the AIM department in developing evidence-based learning interventions

• Manage, mentor, and evaluate counselors, learning assistants, and support specialists

• Oversee crisis intervention and safeguarding referral pathways

Professional Development & Collaboration:

• Lead whole-school professional development on inclusive teaching methodologies

• Collaborate with Admissions team to assess prospective students’ needs

• Train staff in differentiation and supporting specific learning needs

Quality Assurance & Reporting:

• Implement data dashboards to track KPIs for Student Support Services

• Lead annual self-evaluation and produce improvement plans

• Oversee budget monitoring and resource utilization reporting

• Ensure staff engage in quality assurance cycles and professional development

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education & Certification:

• Recognized teaching qualification (B.Ed, PGCE)

• Formal qualification in Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCo or equivalent)

• Training in mental health support within educational settings

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years teaching experience

• At least 2 years in SEND or learning support leadership role

• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams across SEN, counseling, and academic support

Skills & Competencies:

• Proven staff management and mentoring capabilities

• Deep understanding of SEND legislation and inclusive education best practices

• Strong experience designing and monitoring SEND interventions

• Expertise using data systems (iSAMS, SiSi) to inform strategy

• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills

• Superior organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail

• High empathy, resilience, and professional integrity

• Strategic thinking and solution-focused approach

• Commitment to continuous professional development

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to promote inclusive school culture and anti-discrimination policies

• Experience developing parent education programs and community partnerships

• Knowledge of transition planning between educational phases

• Understanding of budget management and resource allocation